2nd opinions...a couple of questions

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Hope 2010
Hope 2010 Member Posts: 62
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi...
How many of you got a 2nd opinion? Was it for the surgeon or oncologist? both? Alot of people tell me to get a second opinion once they decide on my treatment/surgery -- by the way, I'm still in testing mode..

Once you did get a second opinion, how do you know if it's the right one? How do you find out if the decision you made is right? Or did you go strictly by gut feeling and recommendations. The surgeon I am currently going to gave me copies of all of the test results he has so far including the mammogram films. He's been upfront with me and was also recommended by 2 other docs, 1 nurse and 1 technician. The second opinion that I may get is one that is recommended by 1 doc and that's it. No one else that I know has gone to this other breast surgeon.

Also when did you meet with your oncologist? I'm still taking some test that the breast surgeon is ordering, but haven't met with the oncologist yet. Should this happen soon? or after all of the test results are back?

Help....

Comments

  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #2
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    I met with my oncologist,
    I met with my oncologist, plastic surgeon, rads oncologist, nutritionist and therapist all on the same day at my cancer center. I met with them all only a few days after I got the news that I had bc. My GP set it all up for me. It was great to meet all of them at once to discuss my future possible treatment and to see if I would like them and trust them. I did. You can't get your full treatment plan until after your surgery whatever that is. I had a lumpectomy followed by radiation treatments. I trust my doctors and never thought of getting a 2nd opinion. But, I think that 2nd opinions are great for anyone. I feel you must be comfortable with your doctors and feel that they are recommending whatever is best for you, as we all differ in our diagnosis and treatments. Hope this helps some.

    Hugs, Leeza
  • crselby
    crselby Member Posts: 441 Member
    #3
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    2nd opinions
    One thing that I didn't get a second opinion on, and it turned out OK, was the reading of the biopsy sample. So much of your treatment is based on the patholoty report, yet the first radiologist who looked at it might have missed something. So, if I had to advise a friend, I would probably say to get a second radiologist to look over the biopsy sample. Depending on what happens, a person might also want a second opinion on the post-surgery tissue, too. Can't be too careful.Tough decisions. Good luck.
    ~~Connie~~
  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    #4
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    crselby said:

    2nd opinions
    One thing that I didn't get a second opinion on, and it turned out OK, was the reading of the biopsy sample. So much of your treatment is based on the patholoty report, yet the first radiologist who looked at it might have missed something. So, if I had to advise a friend, I would probably say to get a second radiologist to look over the biopsy sample. Depending on what happens, a person might also want a second opinion on the post-surgery tissue, too. Can't be too careful.Tough decisions. Good luck.
    ~~Connie~~

    I got a second opinion from an oncologist
    and went with the second... Her mannerisms, attitude, and personality were way more to my liking even though the treatments were the same. However, she did give me 3 weeks between treatments rather than 2 AND did not require me to take the nupagin/neulasta shot each time.
  • Hubby
    Hubby Member Posts: 325
    #5
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    There is no right answer
    My wife had two opinions for surgery, and after her Oncotype results are in, we have two oncologist appointments set up. We first met with the oncologist about two weeks after the lumpectamy, but in my wife's case, it was the pathology that needed to be looked at again.

    YOU need be comfortable with the surgeon and the hospital.
  • GregStahl
    GregStahl Member Posts: 188
    #6
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    My wife
    went with her gut. The surgeon recommended a lumpectomy, but she knows several woment that took that option and had it return in the same or other breast. She decided to go with the bi-lateral Mastectomy.
    For Onc, unfortunatly with her insurance, choices are limited but we an Onc at Texas Oncology that works heavily with M.D.Anderson so we are comfortable with him and he has been striaght up with us on all of our options.

    Good luck
  • CarrWilson
    CarrWilson Member Posts: 111
    #7
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    3rd Opinion
    I had a right mastectomy 2/9/10, I was told I needed a mastectomy and sought a second opinion. The second surgeon (who I knew personally) was adamant that I only needed a lumpectomy, so I went for a third opinion, and was told I needed a mastectomy. Talk about adding more fuel to the fire. I was so, so confused. I ultimately decided on the mastectomy, going with my gut feeling and was very glad I did. The pathology has shown I had both IDC and DCIS in two different areas. I now regret not having a bilateral, because I am worried about the other breast.

    I also had a second opinion with oncologists before my surgery (thank goodness they agreed with treatment).

    Knowledge is power, explore as much as you need to, if you feel comfortable with your treatment, go with your gut.....

    Best of Luck - Carrie
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #8
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    *Blush* I had 5.....
    But only for the treatment plan after surgery.

    I got the 2-fer...rectal cancer was 6 months ahead of the breast cancer, so I was already in the oncology loop, so to speak. Although, I still wanted to be sure about taking another, different set of chemo (I had had it for the rectal, too) only 6 months after the first set. So, even tho my insurance (HMO) was reluctant to pay, I self-paid for the other 3 docs...the last one was the breast center at UCLA.

    The point is that you need to feel TOTALLY comfortable with your treatment team. After the 5th, I felt I was ok to start...

    Faith in myself, my treatment, and my higher power to get me thru....that was the ticket for me...

    Welcome to the board!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • greyhoundluvr
    greyhoundluvr Member Posts: 402
    #9
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    Hope...
    To me, the answer would be to have as many opinions as you need to get all of your questions answered and to find the doctors that you trust with your life. I actually met with the oncologist first. I know in many cases you are advised to wait and do this after surgery. My daughter is a Nurse Practitioner and set this up as soon as we got the biopsy results. Although she could not give me any definites as far as a treatment plan, she spent a great deal of time explaining the camcer to me - how it grows, what type I had, what treatment I could expect, surgical options, and the preliminary pathology report. I asked her why everyone doesn't see the oncologist before surgery and she just said, "I wish they would..."

    The surgeon I had known when I worked in the hospital, he was a breast specialist and I knew that I trusted him. My plastic surgeon was the one that he recommended. So in my case, I did not get any second opinions but I was comfortable that I was with physicians who would take care of me the same way they would a member of their own family. They answered my questions honestly even when the questions were tough or they may not have been saying what I wanted to hear. There are so many options out there now (such as lumpectomy vs. mastectomy vs. prophylactic mastectomy) that I don't think there is a definite right or wrong answer in many cases. Find the one who is willing to be there for you each step of the way and will help youmake the most informed decisions you can. I hope it all goes well for you!

    Chris
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #10
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    greyhoundluvr said:

    Hope...
    To me, the answer would be to have as many opinions as you need to get all of your questions answered and to find the doctors that you trust with your life. I actually met with the oncologist first. I know in many cases you are advised to wait and do this after surgery. My daughter is a Nurse Practitioner and set this up as soon as we got the biopsy results. Although she could not give me any definites as far as a treatment plan, she spent a great deal of time explaining the camcer to me - how it grows, what type I had, what treatment I could expect, surgical options, and the preliminary pathology report. I asked her why everyone doesn't see the oncologist before surgery and she just said, "I wish they would..."

    The surgeon I had known when I worked in the hospital, he was a breast specialist and I knew that I trusted him. My plastic surgeon was the one that he recommended. So in my case, I did not get any second opinions but I was comfortable that I was with physicians who would take care of me the same way they would a member of their own family. They answered my questions honestly even when the questions were tough or they may not have been saying what I wanted to hear. There are so many options out there now (such as lumpectomy vs. mastectomy vs. prophylactic mastectomy) that I don't think there is a definite right or wrong answer in many cases. Find the one who is willing to be there for you each step of the way and will help youmake the most informed decisions you can. I hope it all goes well for you!

    Chris

    I did get second opinion on
    I did get second opinion on the oncologist, and I had the same oncologist for 16 years. I did not with the surgery as I requested the mastectomy. but I chose and fought for the surgeon I wanted. the rads no because I had the same guy last time and trusted him completely. there is always value in second opinions, so there are no regrets later.
  • Kylez
    Kylez Member Posts: 3,761 Member
    #11
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    GregStahl said:

    My wife
    went with her gut. The surgeon recommended a lumpectomy, but she knows several woment that took that option and had it return in the same or other breast. She decided to go with the bi-lateral Mastectomy.
    For Onc, unfortunatly with her insurance, choices are limited but we an Onc at Texas Oncology that works heavily with M.D.Anderson so we are comfortable with him and he has been striaght up with us on all of our options.

    Good luck

    A 2nd or 3rd or however many
    A 2nd or 3rd or however many opinions are worth it to give you peace of mind and for you to feel that whatever you do is right for you. It is always your decision as to what will be done. So, feel comfortable with your doctors and trust in them.
  • swalters
    swalters Member Posts: 33
    #12
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    2nd Opinions
    Hope 2010,
    When I had DCIS in 2007, I was told I needed a mastectomy by the first surgeon I saw. When I got a 2nd opinion from another surgeon, she said she could excise my DCIS with a lumpectomy.

    After my lumpectomy, I was told I did not get good margins. This time I got a 2nd pathology opinion and was then told I did get good margins.

    Today I am fine and to date have only had a lumpectomy. If I had not gotten a 2nd surgical opinion and a 2nd pathology opinion I would needlessly have had a mastectomy.

    Second opinions are very important, especially,2nd pathology opinions,since all recommended treatments are based on your pathology.

    I consulted with Dr. Michael Lagios, a world renowned DCIS expert and pathologist, whom anyone can use, because he has a consulting service. If you Google his name you can find his website.

    If you decide to get a 2nd opinion, listen to the doctor with the most expertise in that field. Ultimately however it is your decision. You must feel comfortable with whatever you decide.

    Best wishes,
    Sandie
  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    #13
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    swalters said:

    2nd Opinions
    Hope 2010,
    When I had DCIS in 2007, I was told I needed a mastectomy by the first surgeon I saw. When I got a 2nd opinion from another surgeon, she said she could excise my DCIS with a lumpectomy.

    After my lumpectomy, I was told I did not get good margins. This time I got a 2nd pathology opinion and was then told I did get good margins.

    Today I am fine and to date have only had a lumpectomy. If I had not gotten a 2nd surgical opinion and a 2nd pathology opinion I would needlessly have had a mastectomy.

    Second opinions are very important, especially,2nd pathology opinions,since all recommended treatments are based on your pathology.

    I consulted with Dr. Michael Lagios, a world renowned DCIS expert and pathologist, whom anyone can use, because he has a consulting service. If you Google his name you can find his website.

    If you decide to get a 2nd opinion, listen to the doctor with the most expertise in that field. Ultimately however it is your decision. You must feel comfortable with whatever you decide.

    Best wishes,
    Sandie

    I opted for the mastectomy
    my surgeon's suggestion. Well, since then I've learned it was not necessary. Even my radiologist looked at my records and asked me why. The entire breast was clear. BUT, my gut told me to do it, so I went with the surgeon and my gut. Regrets? a little.
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #14
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    I went with my gut, and took a lot of sh** for it
    Hope,

    I didn't get any 2nd opinions. And boy, did I get a lot of sh** from survivors I knew (NOT on this board) about that.

    My surgeon was highly recommended to me by my gynecologist; my oncologist was recommended by both the surgeon and my gynecologist. My girlfriend went with me to the first appointments, so I had her point of view in meeting them as well.

    My #1 priority was, do I feel comfortable with these doctors? Do I trust them? Do they explain things to me completely and in plain English, and really listen to my questions and concerns? Do they treat my girlfriend with respect? The answers were emphatic "YES"s with both doctors, so I saw no need to go anywhere else.

    Some women don't meet with an oncologist until after surgery, but I found it extremely helpful to meet with both my oncologist and surgeon right after being diagnosed, as I was making decisions -- it was like I had a built-in 2nd opinion, as my surgeon and oncologist had slight differences of opinion on some things, and the 3 of us worked together to come up with the best treatment plan.

    Whether you decide to get 2nd (or 3rd or 4th) opinions or not, remember above all that this is YOUR body -- go with what it's telling you, and with whatever makes you feel most comfortable about moving forward.

    Traci
  • youngnana
    youngnana Member Posts: 41
    #15
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    I was referred to my surgeon
    I was referred to my surgeon by my primary care physician, and I loved her the moment I met her. She explained my options for biopsy, and it was clear the choice was mine. The same came when I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carsinoma. Again, she explained my options, and their differences, I knew I wanted a mastectomy, and even though my left side was clear, I wanted them both removed. I knew I would worry, and didnt want to deal with possibly having to go through it again. She didnt question my reasons, she just said it is each persons choice about their body. I DID get a 2nd opinion for my oncologist. The first one I saw, spoke to me like he was selling a car, in this case he was selling Chemo. He said he felt that everyone who is disgnosed with cancer needed chemo. He also said once I began treatment, I was not to see ANY other doctors for any reason??? I knew that was wrong. When I met with the 2nd oncologist I knew instantly that I trusted him. He had my pathology report, explained every detail of it and the reasons why he felt the side effects of chemo out weighed the benefits. He then explained why he felt the OncotypeDX test would be beneficial and would confirm his recommendation. I did auth that test, and he was correct, there was absolutly no benefit for me from chemo.....if I had listened to the first doctor, I would have gone through that for no reason. I think you need to follow your intuition, you will know when you trust someone. Sending prayer to you for guidance with these difficult decisions.
    Karen
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #16
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    Mama G said:

    I got a second opinion from an oncologist
    and went with the second... Her mannerisms, attitude, and personality were way more to my liking even though the treatments were the same. However, she did give me 3 weeks between treatments rather than 2 AND did not require me to take the nupagin/neulasta shot each time.

    You always have to feel good
    You always have to feel good about your doctors and the treatments that they advise for you. If you don't, or, if you feel you want to get a 2nd opinion, just to be sure, then please get it. I know you will make the right decision in what you do.

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